Steamed Chicken and Rice: Hainanese-Inspired One-Pot Comfort Meal

Steamed Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy one-pot comfort food — inspired by iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice but simplified for American kitchens. Whether you’re cooking in a rice cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop pot, this recipe delivers juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and bold, clean flavors in under an hour.

The Story Behind Steamed Chicken and Rice

A Family Tradition with Global Inspiration

When I think of comfort food that crosses cultures, steamed chicken and rice immediately comes to mind. This dish takes me back to the warmth of my grandparents’ kitchen — a place where stories simmered alongside spices and chicken thighs were always marinated with love. They taught me that even a simple meal could carry the depth of family, travel, and tradition. Today, I recreate a version that pays tribute to those memories while staying quick and approachable.

What Makes Steamed Chicken and Rice Special?

Steamed chicken and rice is exactly what it sounds like — chicken gently cooked over or alongside rice so both infuse one another with flavor. Unlike baked or sautéed dishes, steaming allows the ingredients to cook evenly with minimal oil, locking in moisture and nutrients. It’s lighter than fried chicken rice bowls and easier to make than a full roast chicken meal.

This recipe draws inspiration from Hainan chicken rice, a beloved dish in Southeast Asia. Known for its silky chicken and fragrant rice cooked in aromatic broth, Hainanese chicken rice is often paired with a bold ginger-scallion sauce — a meal that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. But let’s be real — you don’t need to travel to Singapore or Malaysia to enjoy something similar. My version uses pantry staples, just one pot, and less than an hour to prepare.

Whether you’re a busy home cook or just someone curious about rice cooker recipes chicken-lovers will appreciate, this dish is a weeknight winner. And if you’re wondering how something so easy can taste this good — you’re about to find out.

What You’ll Need & How to Cook It?

This easy, one-pot version of steamed chicken and rice stays true to its roots while being weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re using a rice cooker, stovetop pot, or Instant Pot, this is one of those rice cooker recipes chicken lovers will come back to often. Below, you’ll find the ingredients and detailed steps for success.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on (about 180g/6.3oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch ground white pepper

For the rice:

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice or short grain white rice (about 310g)
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
• 4 stalks scallions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: finely chopped fresh chili

To serve:

• Sliced cucumber or blanched greens (e.g., bok choy or spinach)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Add salt and white pepper, rubbing them evenly over each piece. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the rice
Rinse the rice thoroughly with cold water and drain well. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the aromatics
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add scallions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Scoop out about ⅔ of the mixture and set aside for the dipping sauce.

Step 4: Add the rice and water
Add the drained rice into the pot with the remaining aromatics. Stir for about 30 seconds. Add 2 cups of water and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Steam the chicken and rice
Place the marinated chicken on top of the rice in a single layer. Bring to a gentle boil, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Step 6: Let it rest
Turn off the heat and let the pot sit (still covered) for 10 more minutes. This step ensures fluffy rice and juicy chicken.

Step 7: Make the sauce
Combine the reserved aromatics with soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and optional chili. Stir well.

Step 8: Serve
Slice the chicken (remove bones if desired) and serve over rice with cucumber or greens. Drizzle sauce over top or serve on the side.

Steamed Chicken and Rice: Hainanese-Inspired One-Pot Comfort Meal

---

• Author: Florence
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A healthy, one-pot Hainanese-style steamed chicken and rice meal that’s flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, skin on (about 180g each)

1 teaspoon salt

1 pinch ground white pepper

1 ½ cups jasmine or short-grain rice (about 310g)

2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil

4 scallions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Fresh chili (optional)

Sliced cucumber or blanched greens for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Rub with salt and white pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

2. Rinse rice with cold water, then drain well and set aside.

3. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Reserve 2/3 of the mix.

4. Add rice to pot with remaining aromatics. Stir for 30 seconds, then add 2 cups of water and salt.

5. Place marinated chicken on top of rice in a single layer.

6. Cover with tight lid, lower heat, and steam for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.

7. Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for 10 more minutes to finish steaming.

8. Combine reserved aromatics with soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili for dipping sauce.

9. Slice chicken, plate with rice and cucumber or greens, and serve with sauce.

Notes

• You can use a rice cooker or Instant Pot by adjusting the water ratio and pressure time as noted in the article.
• Leftovers store well for 4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of water.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Chinese

Benefits of Steamed Chicken And Rice

Health & Diet Advantages

If you’re looking for meals that feel good to eat and are simple to prepare, steamed chicken and rice delivers every time. Steaming gently cooks food while keeping it moist and locking in more nutrients than dry-heat methods like frying or roasting. That’s especially helpful when cooking lean proteins like chicken thighs, which stay tender without added fat.

This dish is naturally gluten-free, low in saturated fat, and free of dairy — making it ideal for many diets. Each serving contains approximately 642 calories, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal. The rice soaks up all the savory juices from the chicken and aromatics, so there’s no need for added butter or heavy sauces.

For anyone following a steamed chicken and rice diet for health goals, it’s a smart, delicious choice that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. Plus, using fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions gives it anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits — no bland diet food here.

Family-Friendly & Meal Prep Friendly

This dish fits perfectly into busy lives. You can make it in a regular pot, but it’s also one of the best steamed chicken and rice in rice cooker meals out there. Set it and forget it — it practically cooks itself.

And leftovers? They’re gold. Portion them into containers for a week of satisfying lunches. The rice and chicken reheat beautifully, especially when stored with a drizzle of the dipping sauce. It also pairs well with light add-ons like stir-fried veggies, which makes it even easier to stretch into multiple meals.

Need a clever trick to amplify flavor in prep? Learn how the Brazilian Baking Soda Trick can change the way your chicken soaks up spices and stays juicy longer.

Common Questions Answered

Can You Steam Chicken and Rice at the Same Time?

Yes — and that’s exactly why this dish is so popular among home cooks. Whether you use a regular pot, rice cooker, or Instant Pot, steamed chicken and rice recipes shine because they cook together in harmony. The chicken releases juices as it steams, infusing the rice with rich, savory flavor.

In the stovetop method, after sautéing the aromatics and toasting the rice, you simply lay the chicken thighs over the rice, add water, and steam with the lid tightly on. The key? Don’t peek while it cooks. Let the steam do the work — 20 minutes on low, then 10 minutes resting with the lid still on.

For the rice cooker hainanese chicken rice version, prep everything in a pan, then transfer rice, water, and marinated chicken into the cooker. Use your regular rice cooking setting. After cooking, allow it to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on to finish steaming gently.

In the Instant Pot, sauté aromatics, add rice and water, place chicken on top, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release on its own for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining steam manually. All three methods let you steam chicken and rice at the same time with minimal fuss.

Wondering how long to steam chicken for chicken rice? If using skin-on bone-in thighs, about 20–23 minutes stovetop or 5 minutes high pressure in an Instant Pot is ideal. If using boneless cuts, subtract a couple of minutes.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken, Brown Rice, or a Steamer Basket?

Absolutely. Boneless chicken cooks a bit faster, so reduce steaming time by 2–3 minutes. Just make sure it doesn’t overcook and dry out. You can also use chicken breast, but it won’t be as juicy as thighs.

Want to make it healthier? Swap in brown rice, but be prepared to adjust cooking time and water ratio — brown rice takes longer and may require pre-soaking.

As for equipment, if you don’t have a rice cooker or Instant Pot, a simple metal rack or bamboo steamer set over a pot works. But remember: this recipe’s genius is in letting the rice and chicken cook together, not separately — a true steamed chicken and rice in rice cooker experience.

Flavor Variations, Storage & Nutrition

Customizing Steamed Chicken and Rice

One of the best things about steamed chicken and rice recipes is how easy they are to customize. You can build flavors that suit your tastes without complicating the process. Start with the basics, then layer on your favorites:

• Garlic herb chicken: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, and a clove of crushed garlic to the marinade.
• Ginger-soy chicken with jasmine rice: Amp up the minced ginger in the rice and drizzle extra soy sauce over the finished dish for a deeply savory version.
• Want a bit of heat? Add chili oil or fresh red chilies to the dipping sauce.
• Try steamed rice with chicken and vegetables by mixing in thinly sliced carrots, peas, or baby spinach just before cooking. They’ll steam perfectly with the rice.

This flexibility makes it a solid choice for weeknight dinners and meal planning. Want a flavor pairing that keeps things balanced? Serve this dish alongside a light salad or a tangy dipping sauce. And if you’re watching your sodium, try seasoning with citrus and herbs instead of salt — just like we do in this pink salt diet recipe.

Storage, Reheating, and Nutritional Snapshot

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice to keep it soft, then microwave or steam gently until warm. You’ll be surprised how the flavors continue to develop.

If you’re counting calories, a single serving of this dish is approximately 642 kcal, packed with lean protein and complex carbs. It’s filling without being heavy — perfect for anyone following a steamed chicken and rice diet or simply looking to eat more whole foods.

Want dessert without overdoing it? Finish the meal with something light and satisfying like our 3 ingredient yogurt cake — it’s the perfect sweet ending without any guilt.

How Does Steaming Compare?

Here’s a quick look at how steaming stacks up against baking and grilling when making chicken and rice:

So if you’re after something flavorful, simple, and good for your body — steaming wins.

Conclusion

Steamed chicken and rice isn’t just a recipe — it’s proof that wholesome meals can still be incredibly flavorful. With one pot and everyday ingredients, you’ll create a dish inspired by global favorites like Malaysian Hainanese chicken rice recipe, yet simple enough for weeknight cooking in any kitchen.

Whether you’re making a classic ginger steamed chicken and rice, a veggie-loaded version like steamed rice with chicken and vegetables, or testing new tools through rice cooker recipes chicken and rice, this dish remains endlessly flexible and satisfying.

From stovetop to steamed chicken and rice in rice cooker, every method brings out the dish’s best — juicy chicken, fragrant grains, and clean, comforting flavor. And if you’re counting steamed chicken and rice calories, know that it’s a balanced meal with around 642 kcal per serving — rich in protein, low in saturated fat, and free from gluten or dairy.

So whether you’re craving Hainanese comfort or looking for a new go-to among your healthy meals, this one-pot recipe delivers nourishment, ease, and a taste of tradition in every bite.

For more Quick, Easy and Delicious Recipes follow me on Facebook and Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions